you have some time to spare, take a slow toy train up to the hill resort of Shimla, Ooty (Udhagamandalam), Darjeeling or Matheran. There is nothing to match the experience of chugging up the hills, past little hamlets and terraced fields, making your way through tunnels and over breathtaking bridges. Its leisurely pace offers you a panoramic view of changing vistas. The invigorating air and the delights of scenic hill resort provide a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Shimla - The toy train journey from Kalka to Shimla is entertaining with 107 tunnels and lofty arched bridges. The dazzling view and the stops at the picturesque stations along the way - Dharmpore, Taksal, Gamma and Solan all add up to an exhilarating experience. Ooty (Udhagamandalam) - The Nilgiri Mountain Railway starts from the town of Mettupalayam and thus begins a journey full of twists and turns as this narrow gauge train ascends 46 km, on its way to the hill resort at Ooty. At a maximum speed of 33 km per hour this 'toy train' treks across plains, plantations and forest clad hills. The 16 tunnels and tall bridges on the way along with the breathtaking view make this toy train journey to Ooty an extraordinary experience!
Darjeeling- The most famous of the little trains, is the one linking the town of New Jalpaiguri the plains to the lovely hill station of Darjeeling. With a 2 ft gauge, the Darjeeling Hill Railway is indeed a 'toy train' being the narrowest of the regular narrow gauges. The tiny century-old engine is connoisseur's delight. The 86 km Darjeeling line has no tunnels, thus allowing the traveler an uninterrupted view of the breathtaking scenery of the Himalaya. The 7 1/2 hour ride is a journey especially for rail buffs.

Matheran - The 77 year old line, connecting Neral (on main line of Central Railway) to Matheran , is the main way to reach the tiny hill resort, close to Mumbai. As the little train wheezes up into the clear mountain air one can view the scenic vista of hills and plains below. The lack of vehicular traffic at Matheran makes it an unusual and peaceful retreat.

The Deccan Odyssey is a joint venture between the Indian Railways and the Government of Maharashtra represented by the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC). The train showcases the tourism assets of Maharashtra, the grandeur of Konkan coast, the art, and culture, the heritage of Maharashtra as well as local arts, crafts and cuisine of the state during the journey. It takes 80 passengers on a tour of the Konkan region, including Goa, and northwestern Maharashtra. It will halt at Ratnagiri, Sindhudurg, Goa, Pune, Aurangabad, (for Ajanta and Ellora) and Nashik. On the itinerary will be visits to forts, other historical places, museums, beaches and boat rides in the backwaters.

A two-saloon train makes a short journey from Delhi to Alwar. The Fairy Queen, which finds mention in the "Guinness Book of World Records", is the oldest running steam locomotive in the world. For an idyllic weekend trip between Delhi and Alwar, the Fairy Queen comes to the rescue of those bored with the same old blaze ways of traveling around the place. The Fairy Queen with the privileged ones aboard reaches the picturesque town of Alwar in Rajasthan the same day, from where the guests will be taken to Sariska Tiger Reserve for an overnight stay.

Travel Rajasthan by palace on wheels and witness the history unfolding itself gracefully at Rajasthan. Rajasthan is also famous for its hospitality. The chivalrous men with long moustaches and their brightly colored turbans and the attractive ladies in their resplendent ghaghra-cholis are always ready to go out of their way to make you feel special. The traditional music and dance are genuinely captivating.

The Palace on Wheels tours makes you experience all the luxuries worthy of the affluent Indian maharajas of yore. Exuberance and extravagance are the key words. This royal journey by palace on wheels is a first-hand experience of the lavish lifestyles of the Indian kings. The door, food and hospitality speak of sheer luxury and opulence. So relax, enjoy and indulge yourself!
The ornate passenger coaches were originally meant to be the personal Railway coaches of erstwhile rulers of the princely states of Rajputana, Gujarat, the Nizam of Hyderabad and the Viceroy of British India. The Indian Railways did not use these coaches after Independence in normal passenger trains on account of the very rich and traditional interiors. The coaches were very old and were meant to run on meter gauge. As a result they were parked in different yards and cited as part of heritage that was far too ornate, old and historical to be of any practical use. They remained in this state for a quarter of a century until 1981-82 when the Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation, the Indian Railways and the Tourism Department of the State launched them as a special heritage tourist train to provide a unique memorable experience to the tourists visiting Rajasthan